Professional Numismatists Guild issues warning against counterfeits

Outlines precautions involving bogus gold and silver issues

The numismatic marketplace is rife with counterfeit United States coins, including the fake 1803 Draped Bust, Heraldic Eagle, Large 3 silver dollar illustrated here. Images courtesy of PNG.

What is purported to be an 1803 Draped Bust, Heraldic Eagle, Large 3 silver dollar is actually a counterfeit struck in base metals. Images courtesy of PNG.

American Eagle gold and silver American Eagle bullion coins, like the fake 1-ounce gold 2012 American Eagle $50 coin illustrated, have been a prime target of counterfeiters, requiring due diligence in determining authenticity.

The coin collecting community is well aware that counterfeit bullion and numismatic coins are offered for sale online and to dealers over the counter by sellers, but the broader public is less aware of the continuing problem. The following news release issued by the Professional Numismatists Guild was sent to media outside of the hobby to alert consumers of the potential dangers:

Use Caution To Avoid Gold And Silver Counterfeits, Advises Professional Numismatists Guild

(Temecula, California) – Beware of counterfeit vintage rare coins and fake modern gold and silver bullion items now being offered in the marketplace. Purchase only from reputable dealers, cautions the Professional Numismatists Guild (www.PNGdealers.org).

The PNG is a nonprofit organization composed of many of the country’s top numismatic experts.

“It is clear there is an increase in the types of fakes sold by unscrupulous dealers. These sales of counterfeit coins are potentially a multi-million dollar problem for the public. There’s an old saying that can help buyers avoid problems: If you don’t know coins, you better know your dealer,” stated Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG) President Dana Samuelson.

“We conducted an informal inquiry of PNG members and PNG Accredited Precious Metals Dealers (APMD) about what they’re encountering now in the marketplace. They have seen everything from counterfeits of vintage rare coins to modern precious metal items. These include fakes of popular century-old U.S. Morgan and Peace design silver dollars to current gold and silver American Eagles, gold U.S. Buffalo coins, silver and gold Chinese Pandas, and Canadian silver and gold Maple Leaf coins. We’re also seeing spurious gold and silver ingots,” said Samuelson.

“Professional dealers who look at classic U.S. coins and bullion items all day long are usually not fooled by these spurious items, but to the untrained eye they often look like the real thing,” he explained.

“Many of the fakes apparently are originating in China and then offered online by various sellers. It is imperative that collectors, investors and the general public deal only with reputable, knowledgeable experts who offer a guarantee of authenticity,” emphasized Samuelson.

Two PNG members who recently were in Asia say they saw counterfeits of early 19th century Draped Bust, mid 19th century Seated Liberty and late 19th and early 20th century Morgan and Peace silver dollars being sold in flea markets in China and Hong Kong for $1 to $3 each.

The Commission of Fine Artsâ recommendation for the Proof 2014 American Eagle platinum coin, left, brought outrage and derision at the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee meeting. The CCAC recommended the design to the right.

The Commission of Fine Artsâ recommendation for the Proof 2014 American Eagle platinum coin, left, brought outrage and derision at the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee meeting. The CCAC recommended the design to the right.

The Commission of Fine Artsâ recommendation for the Proof 2014 American Eagle platinum coin, left, brought outrage and derision at the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee meeting. The CCAC recommended the design to the right.

The Commission of Fine Artsâ recommendation for the Proof 2014 American Eagle platinum coin, left, brought outrage and derision at the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee meeting. The CCAC recommended the design to the right.

The Commission of Fine Artsâ recommendation for the Proof 2014 American Eagle platinum coin, left, brought outrage and derision at the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee meeting. The CCAC recommended the design to the right.